Joji Hattori - King of all Trades: the Multifaceted Aspects of a Musician’s Career

2016 marks the centenary of Yehudi Menuhin’s birth. To honour and celebrate the life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s greatest violinists and composers, the Menuhin Competition will stage an 11 day festival in London from 7 to 17 April 2016. The competition for young violinists attracts hundreds of entries from over 40 countries, choosing only 44 of the world’s very best to participate.

Joji Hattori is one of the leading Japanese musicians of his generation. He has enjoyed a rather varied career as a musician, spending his first decade as a concert violinist after winning this prestigious competition in 1989. His passion for performing developed into directing chamber orchestras, conducting symphony orchestras and finally operas.

Hattori, now President of the Menuhin Competition Trust and Vice Chair of the London 2016 jury, will show us a glimpse of his world as a conductor and violinist. He will speak about his personal relationship with Yehudi Menuhin, about his multifaceted career and the role of musicians in society, as well as about the historic aspects of Japan’s relationship with Western classical music. The talk will be chaired by musician Michael Spencer, who will frame Hattori’s career within the larger context of Japanese music education.

The Menuhin Competition Trust was awarded a Daiwa Foundation Small Grant in September 2015 to support two Japanese competitors taking part in the London 2016 competition.

Admission Free but booking is essential at www.dajf.org.uk/bookin